Hazardous Area Inspections

Overview

Hazardous Area Inspections determine whether electrical installations are safe and suitable for use and will not lead to fire and explosions, causing risk to the workforce/public.

It is vital hazardous area inspections are carried out, in order to support your business in complying with current legislation. This includes the fundamental requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (regulation 4 and 6), the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR).

DSEAR is concerned with protection against risks from fire, explosion and similar events arising from dangerous substances used or present in the workplace. It applies to employers and the self-employed at the majority of workplaces in the UK where a dangerous substance is, or could be, present.

Regulation 4 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that where danger may exist, all systems should be constructed and maintained in a safe condition, and records of maintenance should be kept. Regulation 6 states that electrical equipment in adverse or hazardous environments shall be of such construction or as necessary protected to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger arising.

Following the above regulations will demonstrate your bid to become compliant, and our hazardous area inspections will provide evidence of this should you need to prove your actions in court.

During the Hazardous Area Inspection, a thorough inspection of electrical installations (where practicable) is performed by specialist engineers, examining:

Safety

Wear and tear

Corrosion

Damage

Age

External influences

Suitability

Overloading

The grade of inspection (visual, close or detailed) and the frequency of inspection is determined by considering manufacturer’s guidance, deterioration factors, the zone of use and the results from any previous inspections.

Visual - Visual inspections take note of all defects which can be determined visually either from the ground or from permanent access platforms, without the use of hand tools, switching off and without climbing or using ladders. Binoculars may also be useful in certain situations.

Close - Close inspections determine where any defects, including visual, may be detected without the removal of power. This may involve the use of some tools, ladders and other access equipment.

Detailed - Detailed inspections are carried out on completion of the installation, when it has been handed over by the installation contractor, and prior to the equipment being put into service. They are also carried out on a sample basis and follow the disconnection of power. Access equipment, tools and test equipment may be required. Detailed inspections are also compulsory following modification to plant and its wiring.

During hazardous area inspection, initial final circuit tracing and identification and final circuit labelling can be provided if required.

Reporting

At the end of the inspection, we will issue a report based on the BSEN 60079‐17 form, along with a remedial report.
Reported defects that are deemed to be ‘Dangerous’ will be notified to the duty holder or representative immediately.

Our online compliance tool will also give you full access to your records and show you your overall site compliance, highlighting any areas for remedials. As per Guidance Note 3, our engineers will recommend your next test date, usually within 3 to 5 years’ dependant on the environment.

You may also be interested in: Thermographic Survey and Load Analysis

help_outlineNeed additional information?

If you have a query, please contact us, or complete our enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch shortly.